Traffic and Boating Fatalities Mar Civic Day Long Weekend, Hundreds of Charges Laid by OPP in "Move Over" and Impaired Boating Campaigns

ORILLIA, ON, Aug. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Two people died on Ontario Provincial Police (OPP)-patrolled roads on the Saturday (July 30, 2016) of the recent long weekend. One of the deceased males was a passenger involved in a motor vehicle collision and a second male lost his life in a boating incident.

The following day (Sunday, July 31, 2016), a male cyclist died after colliding with a motor vehicle. Later that evening, another male died when his off-road vehicle and another vehicle were involved in a road collision.

These tragic losses were part of a busy August Long Weekend for the OPP, as they investigated four traffic and marine-related deaths, conducted their "Slow Down, Move Over" campaign and partnered with the Canadian Safe Boating Council for the annual "Operation Dry Water" impaired boating campaign.

Despite having issued a pre-weekend public reminder about the OPP's long weekend Slow Down, Move Over campaign, the OPP charged more than 450 drivers under Highway Traffic Act (HTA) Section 159 for failing to slow down and/or moving over for emergency vehicles and tow trucks parked on the roadside with their lights activated.

While the enforcement data is still preliminary, the long weekend charges bring the total year-to-date number of HTA 159 charges to approximately 1,300. The law is intended to provide greater safety for emergency personnel who must work on the roadside, often in busy traffic conditions.

During Operation Dry Water, OPP Marine Officers were busy checking boats on various waterways throughout the province, promoting safe and sober boating. During the campaign, officers laid more than 180 alcohol and other marine-related charges.

The OPP is reminding drivers that while it conducts annual traffic, marine and off-road safety campaigns aimed at raising awareness of Ontario laws, education and enforcement are carried out 365 days a year.